FROM: INTREPID SEA, AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

CONTACT: Rubenstein Associates Public Relations
Jody Fisher – 212-843-8296 / 347-419-0444 / jfisher@rubenstein.com

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New York, NY (July 7, 2009) – The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum has announced the appointment of Bryan W. Kwapil as Vice President, Collections and Exhibitions.  In his new position, Mr. Kwapil will be responsible for the Museum’s exhibits and attractions, including oversight of the Museum’s 30-plus aircraft collection, the Growler Submarine and British Airways Concorde, all located at the Hudson River Park’s Pier 86 in New York City.

“We are so pleased to have Bryan join our Intrepid team,” said Susan Marenoff, Executive Director of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. “Bryan’s diverse background within cultural institutions offers both the specific collections and exhibitions skill set that fits well within Intrepid as well as experience in many other areas critical to the museum.”

“The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum represents an extraordinary national resource,” offered Kwapil. “I’m honored to be part of this remarkable organization and to help continue its educational and inspirational work.”

Mr. Kwapil has extensive experience in museum work, with responsibility for collection care and management, exhibitions planning and design, and public programming.  He previously served as Vice President of Operations at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, OH from November 2005 to November 2008; as Director of Visitor Services at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in Indianapolis, IN from February 2002 to July 2005; and at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids in Michigan.

He has successfully secured almost $1 million in grant applications between 1996 and 2005 from grantors including the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation and numerous state arts and humanities agencies.

He currently serves as a Peer Reviewer for the AAM Accreditation Program and the AAM Museum Assessment Program (MAP) and is a former Co-Chair of the AAM Visitor Services PIC Committee (2003 – 2005).

His expertise has also allowed him to teach Exhibition Planning and Design at Indiana University/Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Mr. Kwapil graduated from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor with a degree in Anthropology and History, and from the University of Washington with a master’s in Museum Sciences.

About the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum:
One of the world's largest maritime museums, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, is housed aboard the 900-foot-long ESSEX class aircraft carrier Intrepid, which saw service during World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. It also served as a prime recovery vessel for NASA during the Mercury and Gemini space programs before it was retired in 1974. Four years later, Zachary Fisher established the Intrepid Museum Foundation for the sole purpose of "saving the Intrepid for generations to come." Listed in the National Park Service’s National Historic Landmark register, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum was opened as a symbol of peace and education in August 1982. The Intrepid underwent extensive renovations beginning in 2006 and returned to its home at Pier 86 in October 2008.  It has since hosted President George W. Bush for its annual Veterans Day celebration and honored Bill and Hillary Clinton at its annual Intrepid Gala fundraising event. The Intrepid is an event space as well as a museum, and has served as a focal point during New York’s annual Fleet Week celebration. The Intrepid produces a wide range of public programming, and is recognized worldwide as an historic icon that makes history come alive for visitors through its unforgettable series of dynamic and interactive exhibits.  The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is proudly supported by Bank of America and Anheuser Busch. For more information, visit www.intrepidmuseum.org